Importance of relationship metallothioneins and zinc on the antioxidant redox system

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Metallothioneins (MT), participating in the stress response, and heavy metal-binding cysteine-rich small proteins. They protect cells the effects from oxidant and electrophilic molecules through sulfur group contents. For the discovery of functions of essential roles undefined MT proteins, studies are ongoing. They were firstly isolated and identified from horse kidney cortex proteins. Today they are present in all living organisms and have been determined to have common characteristics. The vital role of these proteins, such cadmium and mercury connect as the environmental toxic metals and zinc (Zn) and copper as well as the physiological significance of the metals are regulation of ionized forms. In the absorption of Zn, intracellular transport, mobilization, storage and transfer of Zn, which acts as a major regulator of MTs, have a major impact. The MTs have also important role in scavenge of free oxygen radicals.

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metallothionein , free radicals , zinc , oxidative stress , thiol , antioxidant.

Medical Journal Of Suleyman Demirel University

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Medical Journal Of Suleyman Demirel University